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Bengaluru: Between 2020 and mid-2025, over 8 lakh saplings were planted across the city and over 19,904 fully grown trees were axed, largely to make way for development work such as roads and Namma Metro expansion.In 2020-21, the city experienced its most ambitious annual afforestation drive, with 2.6 lakh saplings planted and only 615 trees were felled.There is no record of any plantation drive during the following year, 2021-22, but 425 trees were removed, mostly for branch clearances and limited infrastructure work. "We don't have the records because it was a pandemic and there were not many activities that GBA (formerly BBMP) undertook during the year, but due to monsoon and developmental infrastructure projects, some trees were felled," according to a senior forest official, who did not want to be identified.In 2022-23, the afforestation drive got a boost with the planting of 2 lakh saplings. However, the city lost 7,426 trees, of which 7,199 were felled for development works. "With major project works on the Metro Phase 2 and other rail projects, the roads had to be widened, and these projects also required felling of the trees, which did see a lot of protest. However, with development comes the death of some trees, while some healthy trees have been transplanted," said the official.The afforestation drive in 2023-24 dipped to 1.5 lakh plants, and 6,167 trees were removed, with 5,430 axed for infrastructure. Mostly rain trees were removed for BMRCL projects. Many of these trees were translocated within a 5km radius, including some in Bagmane Tech Park and Kadugodi.There is no data available on how many saplings planted in the annual afforestation drives survived and thrived. Also, no data is collated on the translocation of trees and their survival.Over 1 lakh saplings were planted, and 4,816 trees were removed in 2024-25. "The plantation drive itself was weaker compared to earlier years, due to the change in the idea of afforestation. Many NGOs realised that plantation drives will not help without the saplings getting tree guards," said a former BBMP deputy conservator of forests, who wished to remain anonymous.In the current 2025-26 cycle, just 84,100 saplings have been planted till now. At the same time, 5,471 trees have been removed, including 2,925 linked to development projects."The survival rate of saplings is not 100%. Even if half survive, it will take decades for them to reach the size of the trees being cut today. The decline in plantation numbers after 2022 is especially worrying. Mature trees provide canopy cover, carbon absorption, groundwater recharge, and habitat support that thousands of saplings cannot immediately replicate," said environmentalist AN Yellappa Reddy, former principal chief conservator of forests.Commenting on the lack of official clarity on the kinds of trees which should be planted to tackle climate change, he added: "The GBA officials and people do not know what kind of trees need to be planted and where. They are just doing this according to their whims and fancies, and these officials do not care to consult, and the DCF keeps changing, and they do not have any clarity."Year - Plantation - Trees removed2025-2026 - 84,100 -3,1002024-2025 - 1,04,500 - 2,1712023-24 - 1,52,910 - 6,1672022-23 - 2,00,000 - 7,4262021-22 - 0 - 425SOURCE: GBA
SOLAPUR, India (Reuters) - India is likely to produce a record amount of sugar in the next marketing year from October after millions of farmers expanded cane cultivation, encouraged by ample water supplies and declining prices of competing crops, farmers and industry officials told Reuters. The rebound in production would allow the world's second-largest sugar producer to resume exports in 2025/26, they said, after a lack of rain cut cane yields and led to two years of restrictions. Indian exports could cap global sugar prices, traders said, by increasing supplies in the world market at a t ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 13: IIFL Capital Services Limited (formerly IIFL Securities Limited) today announced the unveiling of its state-of-the-art office in Bengaluru, dedicated to wealth management services for High Networth Individuals (HNIs) and Ultra High Networth Individuals (UHNIs). IIFL Capital Services is one of the largest wealth managers in India, with about $30 billion (Rs 2.5 lac crore) worth of assets under management, advice and custody. Also Read | Big score is just around the corner for Steve Smith, Skipper Pat Cummins Backs Star Batter Ahead of IND vs AUS 3rd ...Read More >
VIJAYAWADA/GUNTUR : Governor S Abdul Nazeer has planted a Sapota (Sapodilla) sapling in the Raj Bhavan lawns here on World Environment Day, on Thursday. Governor Nazeer participated in the sapling plantation programme under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, coinciding with World Environment Day. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is an effort to show our respect and dedication towards our motherland and nature. The Governor said this campaign aims to plant a tree in the name of a mother and create a lasting memory, ...Read More >
Bhimavaram: West Godavari district collector Chadalawada Nagarani said that in addition to planting trees to improve greenery, efforts are being made to control plastic pollution. On Thursday, to celebrate World Environment Day, a large-scale programme was taken up in the district to plant saplings and remove plastic waste from canals and drains under 'Vanam-Manam.' As part of this, collector Nagarani, District Superintendent of Police Adnan Nayeem Asmi, district Joint Collector T Rahul Kumar Reddy, DRO Mogili Venkateswarlu, and district officials from various departments enthusiastically pa ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches at 15 places in Mumbai and Kochi in connection with the Mithi River desilting scam that caused a wrongful loss of more than Rs 65 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), official sources said. The massive crackdown is underway at the premises across Mumbai and Kochi linked to the accused and suspects as part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities. According to the sources, the searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at locat ...Read More >
The financial repercussions of Parliament disruptions are considerable, impacting both public resources and the productivity of the nation's legislative process. However, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have cumulatively functioned for merely 2 hours, with daily disruptions and sloganeering resulting in adjournments. The Rajya Sabha faced disruptions today (December 2) as Vice Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed discontent over sloganeering by Opposition MPs. The protests, which centered around demands for discussions on key issues, forced the Vice Chairman to adjourn the session until 12 ...Read More >
The health department of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has covered 1,000 more dogs under its ambitious dog feeding programme to take care of strays and reduce aggression caused due to hunger. The BBMP had launched this pilot programme in select areas across eight zones in Bengaluru on October 17. Initially, the civic body was feeding 100 dogs. Under the initiative, pourakarmikas, health officials, animal husbandry officers, animal lovers, pet owners, and interested citizens are working together to collect leftover food from hotels and restaurants to feed stray dogs. The prima ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): Godrej Agrovet informed stock exchanges that the Gujarat government has allotted area to it in three districts for the expansion of oil palm cultivation under the palm oil mission. Those three districts are Vadodara, Surat, and Tapi, the company informed stock exchanges in a filing late on Saturday. The filing didn't elaborate further details about the allotment of land. India is the world's second-largest consumer and number one vegetable oil importer, and it meets 60 per cent of its need through imports. A large part of it is palm oil and its derivativ ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) Rising temperatures, driven by climate change, is increasing the atmosphere's 'thirst', making droughts around the world 40 per cent more severe over the past 40 years, according to a new study. Researchers, including those at the University of California-Santa Barbara, US, explained that the atmosphere is becoming warmer, thereby increasing its capacity to hold moisture -- atmospheric evaporative demand -- and making droughts more severe, even in places where rainfall has stayed the same. Also Read | Who Is Pinaki Misra? From Age to Family Background and Net Worth, He ...Read More >
New Delhi: On World Environment Day, an emotional moment unfolded during commencement of a national green project, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted a sapling of Sindoor at his official residence in New Delhi, which was gifted to him by the valiant women of Kutch, Gujarat, who exemplified courage and sacrifice during the 1971 war with Pakistan. The role played by Indian women during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war is now being used as a symbol to promote the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' campaign, under which the government aims to plant 10 crore trees across India between June and September 202 ...Read More >
Rajamahendravaram: As part of World Environment Day celebrations, a major initiative to plant 4 lakh saplings across the district has been launched, district collector P Prasanthi announced on Thursday. She called on everyone to protect these saplings for the benefit of future generations. The main event was held at the Government Arts College campus in Rajahmundry under the aegis of the Forest Department, where the district collector participated as the chief guest. Chief Conservator of Forests BNN Murthy and other senior officials were also present. Speaking on the occasion, collector Prasa ...Read More >
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting for FY2025-26, announced a 0.50 per cent cut in the repo rate, bringing it down to 5.5 per cent. Alongside this, key changes in CRR, inflation forecasts, and policy stance were also introduced to boost economic growth. Repo Rate Cut RBI reduced the repo rate by 0.50 per cent, bringing it down from 6.00 per cent to 5.50 per cent. This means loans may become cheaper for borrowers. CRR Cut for Liquidity RBI also reduced CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) by 1 per cent, from 4 per cent to 3 per cent, to add mo ...Read More >
CHENNAI: Expressing deep grief over the death of six persons in a fire accident that took place in a private hospital in Dindigul on Thursday night, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday announced a solatium of Rs.3 lakhs each to the bereaved families. Also, those who suffered serious injuries would be given Rs. 1 lakh and minor injuries, Rs.50,000. The persons who have lost their lives have been identified as J Manimurugan (30) and J Mariammal (50) of Thadikombu; K Suruli (50) of Seelayampatti in Theni district; R Rajasekar (36) and R Gopika (6) of NGO Colony in Dindigul. ...Read More >
Shimla, June 5 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced that six lakh stainless steel water bottles would be distributed among school students across the state as an initiative against plastic use. Presiding over the state-level World Environment Day function here, he said that the state government's top priority is environmental protection and concrete measures are being taken to control plastic pollution. Sukhu said that regulations related to plastic use have been made quite stringent and consistent efforts are being made to increase public awaren ...Read More >
Andhra Pradesh government launched a massive greening campaign on World Environment Day, initiating "Vana Mahotsav" and an "End Plastic Pollution" drive. The goal is to increase the state's green cover from 29 to 50 percent by planting one crore saplings statewide. The initiative includes advanced monitoring and aims to achieve 37 percent green cover by 2029.The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday launched a massive greening campaign to mark World Environment Day, aiming to increase the state's ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...Read More >
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], June 6 (ANI): During the World Environment Day 2025 event held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel called for collective efforts to transform the Prime Minister's vision of 'Ending Plastic Pollution' into a mass movement. The program, jointly organised by the Forest and Environment Department and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, was graced by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mulubhai Bera and Minister of State Shri Mukesh Patel. Also Read | Chinnaswamy Stampede: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Suspends Bengaluru Police ...Read More >
Heavy rains across Tamil Nadu have led to school closures in several districts, including Chennai, on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate rains and light thunderstorms in parts of the state. Rainfall figures show significant precipitation in multiple areas. Meanwhile, Northern India braces for a cold wave beginning December 9, with the IMD forecasting plunging temperatures in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.Schools acros ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, Dec 11 (PTI) The 6th Edition of 'Abhivyakti - The City Arts Project', Gujarat's longest art and culture showcase and an endeavour of UNM Foundation of Mehta Family's Torrent Group, concluded with an assemble of art admirers from different walks of life enjoying the art performances across genres. The 16-day Project, which had begun on November 21, received an unprecedented footfall of over 3.24 lakh art lovers of different age groups and from varied walks of life, a press statement issued by the organisers said. Apart from the lakhs of art lovers of the city, the project was also ...Read More >
Mumbai, February 7: Jeet Adani, the younger son of industrial magnate Gautam Adani, is marrying Diva Shah today, February 7, in a private and traditional ceremony. The couple, who has been engaged for a while, drew attention to their wedding when Gautam Adani confirmed the Jeet Adani-Diva Shah wedding date during his visit to Maha Kumbh 2025. Though rumours circulated about a performance by global music star Taylor Swift at Jeet Adani-Diva Shah wedding, Gautam Adani dismissed the speculation, emphasising that the wedding would be modest and traditional. "We live like ordinary people, and the ...Read More >
New norms to avoid another Bengaluru stampede, said Home Minister G Parameshwara. Bengaluru: Karnataka government will formulate a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for mega events, meetings and celebrations aimed at preventing any untoward incidents, state Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Thursday. The initiative comes in the wake of the stampede near the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium here on Wednesday that claimed 11 lives. Speaking to reporters, Mr Parameshwara said that the governm ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Former head of Air India and chairman of the Railway Board Ashwani Lohani is the new Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) director. The official order for his appointment was issued on Wednesday. A 1980-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME), Lohani is known for turning around various organisations during his illustrious career. Following his retirement from IRSME service, he joined the GMR Group as the CEO. According to the order dated June 4, his appointment to the post of director, Prime Ministers Museum and Library in the rank and pa ...Read More >
As winter approaches, Coorg, often called the "Scotland of India," offers the perfect retreat for nature lovers. Nestled in the Western Ghats, this hill station promises unforgettable experiences, from trekking Tadiandamol Peak to exploring serene coffee plantations on the Kopatty Trail. Stay at Blyton's Bungalow, an eco-friendly haven, and indulge in stargazing at Nalaknad Palace. For a deeper connection with nature, camp by the Kaveri River or explore the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Coorg's stunning waterfalls, including Abbey and Iruppu Falls, provide a perfect setting for relaxation, ma ...Read More >
Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP has slammed the Congress-led government in the state over the flood and waterlogging situation in Bengaluru, saying that the city's reputation has suffered at the global level. The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka, in a statement on Monday, demanded that the government immediately release Rs 1,000 crore for relief operations following the rain-induced disaster in Bengaluru. On Sunday night, rainfall ranging from 103 to 130 mm caused havoc across the city, said Ashoka and urged the government to swiftly undertake relief operations and ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava on Thursday outlined an urgent need to curb plastic pollution as it negatively impacted marine life, suffocated terrestrial ecosystems, leached harmful chemicals into soil and water. In addition, it contributed significantly to air pollution when burnt, he said. The statement came on the occasion of World Environment Day and was uploaded on the NGTs website. Shrivastava said that plastic had become an indispensable part of our lives, yet its convenience masked a devastating reality. "This nonbiodegradabl ...Read More >
Guwahati, June 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) The flood situation in Assam marginally improved on Thursday, while the situation further improved in other northeastern states, an official said. With two more fresh deaths in Assam, the death toll in seven states, excluding Sikkim, of the region increased to 48. According to the disaster management officials of different northeastern states, out of 48 deaths during the current spell of rain and floods since May 29, at least 21 people died in Assam, followed by 12 in Arunachal Pradesh, six in Meghalaya, five in Mizoram, two in Tripura and one each in Nagalan ...Read More >
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], June 5 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel graced the distribution ceremony of 50 JCB machines organised by the Bharwad Yuva Sangathan - Gujarat Pradesh, held at Town Hall in Gandhinagar on Thursday. During the event, 50 economically disadvantaged youths from the Bharwad community were provided with JCB machines without any down payment, as part of an initiative to empower them towards self-reliance, according to the press release. Commending the efforts of the organization, the Chief Minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always emphas ...Read More >
Hyderabad: With the early onset of pre-monsoon showers, farmers across Telangana have started their agricultural activities ahead of schedule. However, the agriculture department is facing strong criticism for failing to provide adequate fertilizers and seeds necessary for the current season. According to officials, there is a significant shortfall in the availability of essential inputs like urea and cotton seeds, which may negatively impact crop planning and productivity across the state. Also Read: Madhuri Dixit Recalls 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' Magic with Salman Khan as Monsoon Arrives For ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): On the occasion of World Environment Day, a website, "Discover Green Hydrogen," was launched by L&T GreenTech. The website focuses on the global clean energy revolution, providing insights, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the rapidly evolving Green Hydrogen industry. Powered by L&T GreenTech, a key division of L&T Energy's Green & Clean Energy Business, the newly launched website reflects L&T's unwavering commitment to sustainability. Also Read | Delhi: High-Level US Team Arrives for Talks on Bilateral Trade Pact With India. This website is designe ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >